Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on as Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park on March 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on as Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park on March 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on as Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park on March 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. | Getty Images
Newcastle United have been dealt some fresh injury and suspension blows in recent weeks
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insists he will field his strongest possible side against West Ham United with his full focus on the Hammers and not the Carabao Cup final with Liverpool.
West Ham welcome the Magpies to the London Stadium on Monday night, just six days out from Newcastle facing Liverpool at Wembley. The Irons won when the sides met at St James’ Park back in November in a result that eased the pressure on then manager Julen Lopetegui.
Looking ahead to Monday’s game, Howe insisted: “We will pick our strongest team. Resting players, it doesn't even come into my head, if you think a player not playing for two weeks before a huge game is good for them, that's not the case, they need regular football to give them the best chance of being fit, but also performing, so those players, as I say, will play.”
Howe discusses Newcastle injuries and suspensions
In his pre-match press conference, the Newcastle boss named all four Newcastle players that would miss the clash with West Ham through injury or suspension. It was already known that Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles would not feature. Howe provided an update on both players as he revealed Lascelles was back training but yet to work with the team while on Hall, he said: “Devastated for him, actually, because he had so much to look forward to at this moment of the season, with obviously the cup final being a big thing for all the players at the moment. Lewis Hall had also a possible international experience coming up, and he was just in really good form as well and playing very well. So, yes, that's a big blow for him.”
Anthony Gordon will definitely miss the clash with West Ham after his red card against Brighton and Hove Albion. Newcastle did have the chance to appeal the decision but Howe admitted an appeal would likely have been rejected, with Gordon’s absence now confirmed. Newcastle will also be without Sven Botman after he suffered a set-back in his recovery which is likely to require an operation. He is set for eight weeks out. Howe is hopeful that both Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier will be fit enough to play against West Ham.
Howe looks at West Ham challenge
West Ham have picked up some form of late after back-to-back wins and clean sheets against Arsenal and then Leicester City. The FA Cup fifth round gave the Hammers a break while Newcastle were involved in a dramatic tie with Brighton that went to extra time.
Looking at Monday’s game, Howe said: "It is a huge game for us - that can’t be lost. We can’t lose the focus on the Premier League. The focus has been very good from the players this week. I see a determination to do well in the game. It's always a tough place to go, but we are looking forward to the challenge. "We still have everything to play for. All those players coming into the team will feel like they can make the difference.
"You have to be ready to perform, to play. We have been working hard with the players behind the scenes so that everyone can play their part successfully in this period."
In other news, Newcastle United make loan recall decision ahead of West Ham and Brentford fixtures.
Related topics:Eddie HoweNewcastle UnitedWest Ham
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.